CHP online application filing opens today

The small window to apply to the CHP academy and begin the path toward becoming an officer has opened, but for only a limited time. The demands are rigorous and the standards high to get into the 27-week academy training.

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By Mike BodineSTAFF WRITERmbodine@ridgecrestca.com

Ridgecrest Daily Independent - Ridgecrest, CA

By Mike BodineSTAFF WRITERmbodine@ridgecrestca.com

Posted Sep. 12, 2013 at 4:44 PM

By Mike BodineSTAFF WRITERmbodine@ridgecrestca.com

Posted Sep. 12, 2013 at 4:44 PM

The small window to apply to the CHP academy and begin the path toward becoming an officer has opened, but for only a limited time. The demands are rigorous and the standards high to get into the 27-week academy training.

The applications for admission into the California Highway Patrol cadet program began at 7 a.m. today and will continue through midnight on Saturday, Sept 14. The applications are only available online.

“Applicants can create an account and register at any time,” according to the CHP website. “However, the application itself can only be submitted during specific open filing periods.”

According to the CHP website, “Although our process opens at 7 a.m. Pacific September 12, 2013, there is no need to be first in line. This is a thoughtful process and not a "first come, first served" process. Pick a time that is convenient for you during the open application period when you can spend about 45 minutes registering and going through the steps of the application. All applicants who fill out the application properly, meet the minimum standards, and submit the application properly will be invited to take the written exam. Do Not Rush This Process.”

Some basic requirements for becoming a CHP officer include; applicants must be between 20 and 35 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, be a US citizen or resident alien who has applied for citizenship, no felony convictions as well as good vision and hearing. There is a 125-question written exam and the Physical Ability Test, or PAT.

The PAT requires cadets to complete sprints and sit-ups and push-ups within an allotted time limit. The CHP usually invites members of the media to participate in PAT so they can get a taste of what being a cadet is all about. If a cadet gets this far in the process, they are asked to attend the Qualifications Appraisal Panel interview. If a cadet passes the QAP, there are background checks, a medical evaluation, and additional physical and psychological testing before being invited to attend the academy.

The psychological exam is the final test before receiving an invitation to attend the CHP Academy. “A written psychological exam and interview with a licensed psychologist will help the department determine your mental and emotional fitness before becoming an officer.”

A cadet earns between $4,274-$5,361 a month while attending the academy. “Upon graduation from the CHP Academy cadets are promoted to the position of officer. Annually, an officer's base pay is $67,764 with annual increases until the top-step base salary of $84,036 is reached. These figures do not include pay incentives or overtime pay,” according to the CHP website.